A Golf-sized hatchback from Porsche? It could be in the works if Germany's car rumor-swirler AutoZeitung is on the mark. Most loose talk about Porsche has focused on a new mini SUV, sometimes dubbed the "Roxster." But the specter of stiffening C02 emissions regulations in Europe could mean the arrival of an even smaller Porsche. That is, an entry-level hatchback. AutoZeitung says it's already in the works, and set to be produced after the Panamera four-door hits in 2009. The smallest of Porsches will reportedly be developed using VW parts, and get a 295-hp boxer engine, lifted from the Boxster, though front mounted. A new compact all-wheel-drive system would send power to the four corners. Although purists may balk, we'd hitch our laptop to something like this in a heartbeat. And of course, the BMW 135i totally needs another playmate.

Sounds like Golf R36 with boxer engine.. Should be very good if the price and weight is right..

Agreed. The big problem will be weight distribution. The VR6 is quite compact compared to the Porsche Flat 6's, and although the lower CG of the Porsche 6 would be beneficial, moving the engine forward in the small Golf engine bay would not, as weight distribution would suffer greatly.

I don't think the Flat 6 will fit in that bay, personally, so it would have to be based upon the Audi A3. More room up there. Same problem as above.

Rumors of Porsche’s Golf-sized hatch first emerged back in May of this year but since then the car’s existence has been overshadowed by talk of a new mini-SUV model. Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking firmly said no to the idea of a smaller SUV, no doubt due to the impact looming carbon-dioxide emissions rulings will have on the sports carmaker. On the other hand, these same emissions ruling may see Porsche develop a new entry-level hatchback model with emissions levels closer to the proposed 130g/km standard.

New reports from Germany’s AutoZeitung say Porsche is developing such a model to compete with cars like BMW’s new 1-series range and the Audi S3, and that it’ll enter production soon after the Panamera four-door sedan is launched in 2009. Mounted up front will be a 295hp version of one of the boxer engines used in the Boxster/Cayman with drive likely sent to all four wheels via a newly developed compact AWD system.

Porsche’s ever increasing stake in Volkswagen Group has given it access to VW’s parts bin including its compact car platforms and clean engine technologies. Porsche’s future models are expected to share much more in common with VW as evidenced by the co-operation on the Touareg/Cayenne/Q7 project.

Our 3D artist has put together an image of what a possible Porsche hatch could look like. It’s completely speculative, of course, but still a tantalizing look at what might be around the corner.